Muswellbrook Shire’s flagship celebration of the screen, the Blue Heeler Film Festival in Denman, is courting local filmmakers in 2025 with a prize worth $1,000 and a place in a local screening.
This year the festival, supported by Muswellbrook Shire Council and Bengalla Mining, will award a $1,000 gift voucher to go with the Golden Bluey for Best Local Film.
And in another festival first, all local film entries will feature in a showcase to entertain audiences at the Muswellbrook Library.
Blue Heeler Film Festival Director Stephen Wright said this year’s added prestige for local filmmakers, and the newly announced artistic theme of ‘Nurture’, have set the scene for a sizzling screen line-up.
“This is a prize and an opportunity to connect with audiences that will make a genuine difference to a filmmaker in Muswellbrook Shire, which is what the local category is about,” Mr Wright said.
“While our other Blue Heeler Film Festival award categories are open to all filmmakers, as Festival Director, I’m delighted that we’re providing extra incentive for local filmmakers to participate. It’s exciting to see our local film industry grow and we’re proud to help create more opportunities for emerging talent in our community.”
The Blue Heeler Film Festival total prize pool of $15,000 includes:
- Open Category: First Prize of $10,000
- Secondary School Senior category: First Prize of $2,500
- Secondary School Junior category: First Prize of $2,500
- Special category awards: Golden Bluey awards and further prizes for best Local Film, Actor, Cinematography, Animation and First Nations Film
Muswellbrook Shire Mayor Jeff Drayton said the more enticing local category would boost the festival as a distinctive, respected part of Australia’s artistic landscape.
"Backing our filmmakers is a vital part of Muswellbrook Shire Council supporting the incredible talent in our community and I hope this is the nudge someone needs,” Mayor Drayton said.
“The new Best Local Film prize and screenings at the Muswellbrook Library are a win for filmmakers and audiences in our Shire.”
About the Blue Heeler Film Festival
The Blue Heeler Film Festival is a multi-genre celebration of filmmaking. The festival showcases a diverse range of short films and provides a platform for filmmakers to present their work on a national stage.
The festival’s 2025 red carpet awards night, along with livestreamed coverage, is scheduled for October 31.
For more information on entering:
blueheelerfilmfestival.com.au | info@blueheelerfilmfestival.com.au | (02) 6549 3700
Stay up to date with the festival:
- Facebook: Blue Heeler Film Festival
- Instagram: @blueheelerfilmfestival
- YouTube: Blue Heeler Film Festival
